In a stark update on the deteriorating condition of our planet, an international assembly of climate experts has reported that the Earth’s vital signs have declined to levels never before witnessed in human history. This critical state threatens the very fabric of life on our planet.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unprecedented-scientific-consensus">Unprecedented scientific consensus</h2>



Led by William Ripple, a prominent figure from the Oregon State University <a href="https://www.forestry.oregonstate.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">College of Forestry</a>, and Christopher Wolf, formerly associated with OSU, a team comprising 12 scientists has delivered a grim prognosis on Earth&#8217;s vital signs in their paper published in <a href="https://academic.oup.com/bioscience/article-lookup/doi/10.1093/biosci/biad080" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">BioScience</a>. 



Titled &#8220;The 2023 State of the climate report: Entering uncharted territory,&#8221; the study underscores that a staggering 20 out of 35 planetary vital signs used as barometers for climate health have hit record extremes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-world-on-the-brink">World on the brink</h2>



&#8220;Without decisive steps to address the fundamental issue of humanity&#8217;s overconsumption of the Earth&#8217;s resources, we are navigating towards the potential disintegration of natural and socioeconomic systems,&#8221; Wolf stated, painting a picture of a future marred by intolerable heat, food scarcity, and water shortages.



The authors highlight alarming data from 2023, pointing out that numerous records related to climate and Earth&#8217;s vital signs have been shattered &#8220;by enormous margins.&#8221; This includes unprecedented ocean temperatures, drastic reductions in sea ice, and an extraordinary Canadian wildfire season contributing to record levels of carbon dioxide emissions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-echoes-of-past-warnings">Echoes of past warnings</h2>



This report is not the first of its kind. It follows a significant &#8220;<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-has-pushed-earth-to-code-red/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">World Scientists’ Warning of a Climate Emergency</a>&#8221; published four years ago, where Ripple, alongside other collaborators, received support from over 15,000 scientists from 161 countries. 



Despite these earlier calls to action, little progress has been made, with Ripple emphasizing, &#8220;Life on our planet is unmistakably under assault.&#8221;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-alarming-climate-health-statistics">Alarming climate health statistics</h2>



The report lays bare several shocking statistics that outline why Earth&#8217;s vital signs are at an all-time low.



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/un-chief-fossil-fuel-era-must-end-for-humanitys-survival/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Fossil fuel</a> subsidies saw a staggering increase from $531 billion to over $1 trillion between 2021 and 2022, incentivizing harmful emissions. </li>



<li><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wildfires-amplify-risks-for-socially-vulnerable-populations-in-western-states/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wildfires</a> in Canada alone have already contributed more than 1 gigaton of carbon dioxide to the atmosphere in 2023, surpassing the nation&#8217;s total greenhouse gas emissions the previous year. </li>



<li>A concerning trend in global temperature rise, with 38 days already recorded where temperatures were more than <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/limiting-global-warming-to-1-5-degrees-celsius-would-save-billions-of-lives/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">1.5 degrees Celsius</a> above pre-industrial levels. </li>



<li>July experienced the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/july-was-earths-hottest-month-in-120000-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">highest average</a> Earth surface temperature on record, likely the most extreme in the last 100,000 years.</li>
</ul>



Wolf expressed deep concern, stating, &#8220;As scientists, the sudden escalation in the frequency and intensity of climate-related disasters is deeply unsettling.&#8221;



The study cautions that these disasters&#8217; frequency and intensity might even be accelerating faster than temperature rises. The paper forecasts a dire future, where 3 to 6 billion people will find themselves in uninhabitable conditions by the end of this century.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-earth-s-vital-signs-need-transformative-policies">Earth&#8217;s vital signs need transformative policies</h2>



The scientific community is advocating for policies that address &#8220;ecological overshoot,&#8221; a scenario where humanity&#8217;s demands exceed the Earth&#8217;s capacity, resulting in numerous environmental crises, including a decline in biodiversity.



They argue that solutions focusing solely on carbon or climate will fall short of repairing Earth&#8217;s vital signs unless the overarching pressures on global systems are alleviated. As Ripple puts it, the scientific community has a &#8220;moral duty&#8221; to guide humanity away from potential existential threats and lead action-driven dialogues.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-steering-towards-a-just-sustainable-future">Steering towards a just, sustainable future</h2>



The paper calls for a comprehensive overhaul of global economic practices. The authors of the study urge a transition that foregrounds human well-being, curtails excessive consumption, and drastically reduces affluent populations&#8217; emissions.



Key policy recommendations to reverse the decline of Earth&#8217;s vital signs include:



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Eliminating fossil fuel subsidies. </li>



<li>Encouraging shifts towards plant-based diets. </li>



<li>Amplifying efforts to protect global forest areas. </li>



<li>Establishing international treaties focused on eliminating coal and preventing new fossil fuel exploration.</li>
</ul>



The authors underscore the necessity for equity and social justice in all climate-related decisions. They clearly recognize the disproportionate impact of climate calamities on the world&#8217;s most impoverished populations, who have the smallest carbon footprints.



In a world where climate-related disasters are becoming the norm rather than the exception, this clarion call from the scientific community is more urgent than ever. It implores global leaders, decision-makers, and individuals alike to embark on a more sustainable path, with the understanding that the very future of life on Earth hinges on the actions humanity takes now.



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Life under siege: Earth’s vital signs reach an all-time low

When do you make your bed? In the morning? If you were a chimpanzee, you would likely build it at dusk. Scientists call this process "nest building."



This behavior has existed for millions of years among <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/chimpanzees-are-genetically-adapted-to-thrive-in-their-local-environment/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">great apes</a>. A secure nest ensures proper rest, which boosts energy levels and cognitive function. 



But researchers have noticed an interesting pattern - young female chimps build nests earlier and more frequently than males.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-chimps-create-safe-nests">How chimps create safe nests</h2>



For years, primatologists have observed the fascinating process of nest construction. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/chimpanzees-are-constantly-mastering-new-tools/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chimps</a> twist branches into circular shapes, reinforcing them with smaller twigs and leaves. These nests serve as cradles in the treetops, shielding them from predators and the elements.



Beyond nighttime rest, chimps build nests during the day. These temporary spots become places to relax, groom each other, or enjoy a stolen moment of solitude. 



Some young chimps use their nests for play, tumbling in and out, treating them as miniature jungle gyms. Others see them as a place to observe their surroundings in peace.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-chimps-in-their-natural-habitat">Chimps in their natural habitat</h2>



Great apes, including chimpanzees, have practiced this behavior for millions of years. The better their nests, the deeper their sleep. 



And the deeper the sleep, the more energy they have for the challenges ahead. But recent research has revealed something unexpected - female infants build nests earlier and more often than males, suggesting a natural tendency toward independence from an early age.



This discovery emerged from a study led by Canadian primatologist Iulia Bădescu, a professor of anthropology at <a href="https://www.umontreal.ca/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Université de Montréal</a>. She has spent years observing the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/chimpanzees-pass-tool-use-skills-across-generations/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">chimpanzees</a> of Uganda’s Kibale National Park, a thriving sanctuary for these remarkable primates.



The research, published in the American Journal of Primatology, was a collaboration between Université de Montréal, the <a href="https://www.utoronto.ca" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Toronto</a>, and <a href="https://www.yale.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Yale University</a>. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-young-chimps-and-nest-building">Young chimps and nest building </h2>



To understand nest-building behaviors, the researchers observed 72 immature wild chimpanzees between 2013 and 2014, and again in 2018, at a site in Kibale called Ngogo.



They focused on how often young chimps built nests and analyzed factors like age, sex, and maternal experience.



Nest building requires both physical strength and learned skill. The ability to bend and weave branches into a stable structure doesn’t come naturally - it must be practiced. Young chimps start experimenting with nest building early, but only as they grow stronger do they fully master the technique.



As expected, older infants were more likely to build nests than younger ones. However, the most striking discovery was that young female chimps took to nest building more frequently and at a younger age than males.



This aligns with previous studies suggesting that female <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/chimpanzees-continue-learning-as-adults/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">chimps</a> tend to gain independence earlier than their male counterparts.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-female-chimps-build-nests-earlier">Female chimps build nests earlier </h2>



"The likelihood and overall rates of daytime nest building in wild infant <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/chimpanzees-can-plan-and-adapt-their-use-of-tools-just-like-humans/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">chimpanzees</a> varied with age and sex," said study first author Tara Khayer. "Older and female infants were more likely to build nests, and build them more often, than younger and male infants."



While young males were seen constructing nests, they did so less often. Interestingly, once a chimpanzee started building nests, their approach remained consistent, regardless of gender or their mother’s experience in raising offspring. 



This suggests that once they develop the necessary skills, young chimps construct their nests at a similar pace.



Female infants, however, reached this point sooner. Their drive to create and refine their nests suggests a greater motivation for self-sufficiency. Whether this is a biological adaptation or a learned behavior passed down from mothers remains uncertain.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-changing-role-of-nests">Changing role of nests</h2>



As young chimps grow, the role of the nest shifts. For infants under four years old, nests serve as playgrounds - safe spaces for exploration, climbing, and games. Older chimps use them more purposefully, seeing them as spots for rest rather than recreation.



The study confirmed this shift, reinforcing the idea that nest building is not just about comfort but about adapting to different stages of life. For older chimps, a well-constructed nest means a better night’s sleep, which directly affects their physical and cognitive well-being.



"Nest building also represents a type of tool use, since the chimps have to manipulate branches and other materials around them to construct their nest," said Khayer.



"Just like cracking nuts with stones or fishing for ants with sticks, nest building involves putting their environment to good use."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-connection-to-human-evolution">A connection to human evolution</h2>



Chimpanzees are not the only primates who seek comfort in well-constructed sleeping arrangements. Humans have long relied on the ability to create secure resting spaces.



While modern beds have replaced treetop nests, the instinct to carve out a safe place to sleep remains deeply rooted in our evolutionary past.



"Humans, too, sleep in beds," said Bădescu. "So there are interesting evolutionary implications. Studying how chimps learn to build nests from a very young age helps us better understand how all hominids, including us, develop and learn new skills."



This research offers valuable insight into the development of early independence, particularly among female chimpanzees. Their ability to craft their own resting places at a young age highlights their adaptability and problem-solving skills. 



In many ways, their behavior mirrors the early resourcefulness seen in human children as they begin to navigate the world on their own.



The study is published in the <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ajp.70011" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">American Journal of Primatology</a>.



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What chimp nests can tell us about early independence

When do you make your bed? In the morning? If...

Cannabis has been studied for decades for its pain-relieving potential, but its psychoactive properties have limited its medical use.



Millions of individuals suffer from chronic pain, and for many years, the main treatment has been opioids.



Effective as they are, opioids come with serious risks - they are extremely addictive and can be deadly if abused. The demand for safer pain medication has never been more urgent.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cannabis-inspired-breakthrough">Cannabis-inspired breakthrough </h2>



In the search for alternatives that can bring pain relief without the risk of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/brain-discovery-offers-hope-for-tackling-opioid-addiction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">addiction</a>, researchers have discovered a potential solution.



Experts at <a href="https://medicine.washu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis</a> and Stanford University have created a new compound that replicates a natural molecule that occurs in cannabis.



This achievement leverages the pain-relieving properties of cannabis without inducing mind-altering side effects. The compound has been tested in mice with some positive results.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-safer-approach-to-pain-relief">Safer approach to pain relief</h2>



The study highlights the potential of this new compound as a non-addictive pain reliever.



Unlike <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/opioid-related-deaths-are-on-the-rise-among-young-people/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">opioids</a>, which act on the brain’s reward system and lead to addiction, this compound was designed to target pain-reducing receptors in the body while preventing entry into the brain.



Dr. Susruta Majumdar is a professor of anesthesiology at WashU Medicine and the study's senior author. 



“There is an urgent need to develop non-addictive treatments for chronic pain, and that’s been a major focus of my lab for the past 15 years,” said Dr. Majumdar.



“The custom-designed compound we created attaches to pain-reducing receptors in the body but by design, it can’t reach the brain. This means the compound avoids psychoactive side effects such as mood changes and isn’t addictive because it doesn’t act on the brain’s reward center.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-opioid-crisis">The opioid crisis</h2>



Despite warnings about the dangers of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/psilocybin-may-protect-against-opioid-use-disorders/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">opioid use</a>, overdose deaths remain alarmingly high. In 2022 alone, opioids were linked to approximately 82,000 deaths in the United States. The crisis continues, pushing researchers to find safer alternatives.



Study co-author Dr. Robert W. Gereau is a professor of&nbsp;anesthesiology&nbsp;and director of the&nbsp;WashU Medicine Pain Center. He noted that people have turned to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/record-number-of-americans-are-high-on-marijuana-at-work/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">marijuana</a> as a pain treatment for thousands of years. 



“Clinical trials also have evaluated whether cannabis provides long-term pain relief. But inevitably the psychoactive side effects of cannabis have been problematic, preventing cannabis from being considered as a viable treatment option for pain. However, we were able to overcome that issue," said Dr. Gereau.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pain-relief-without-side-effects">Pain relief without side effects</h2>



Cannabinoid molecules in cannabis interact with CB1 receptors on brain cells and pain-sensing nerve cells. These interactions contribute to marijuana’s pain-relieving effects but also cause mind-altering side effects.



Working with Stanford University researchers, the experts modified a cannabinoid molecule by adding a positive charge. This prevents the compound from crossing the blood-brain barrier while still allowing it to bind to CB1 receptors in the body.



By limiting its action to pain-sensing nerve cells outside the brain, they achieved pain relief without the unwanted side effects.



The researchers tested the compound in mouse models of nerve-injury pain and migraine headaches. They measured touch sensitivity as an indicator of pain and found that the modified compound eliminated hypersensitivity in the mice.



The results suggest that the compound could be a powerful pain reliever without the risks associated with opioids.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tolerance-and-long-term-effectiveness">Tolerance and long-term effectiveness</h2>



One major issue with opioid treatments is that patients develop tolerance over time, requiring higher doses for the same effect. This new compound, however, provided prolonged pain relief without signs of tolerance, even with twice-daily treatments over nine days.



The researchers discovered why tolerance was avoided. By using advanced computational modeling, they identified a previously hidden pocket on the CB1 receptor.



This pocket, confirmed through structural models, allows the compound to bind in a way that reduces cellular activity linked to tolerance. 



Unlike conventional cannabinoid binding sites, which become less effective over time, the hidden pocket opens briefly, allowing the compound to work without losing its effect.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-future-of-pain-relief">The future of pain relief</h2>



Designing molecules that relieve pain without unwanted side effects is a complex challenge. Researchers now aim to develop this compound into an oral medication for further testing and, eventually, clinical trials.



If successful, this could mark a significant shift in how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/patients-with-chronic-pain-are-turning-to-cannabis-for-relief/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">chronic pain</a> is treated - offering a safer, non-addictive alternative to opioids.



Millions of people struggle with chronic pain daily. With ongoing research, a new solution could be on the horizon - one that provides relief without the devastating consequences of addiction.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-025-08618-7" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a>.



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Tapping into the pain relief potential of cannabis without the high

Cannabis has been studied for decades for its pain-relieving potential,...

Neanderthals once roamed large swaths of Eurasia for hundreds of thousands of years. Their skeletal remains are found across many excavation sites, yet their disappearance remains one of the biggest puzzles in human history.



Scientists at <a href="https://www.binghamton.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Binghamton University</a> have uncovered fresh data that sheds light on a crucial population setback.



The study was co-authored by Professor Rolf Quam and graduate student Brian Keeling. The team analyzed fossils that point to a serious Neanderthal population dip around 110,000 years ago.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ear-fossils-reveal-neanderthal-history">Ear fossils reveal Neanderthal history</h2>



The researchers examined the <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK10863/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">semicircular canals</a>, anatomical structures in the inner ear that contribute to balance and reflect deeper genetic characteristics. 



They compared the shape and variety of these canals in fossils from <a href="https://www.britannica.com/place/Atapuerca" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Atapuerca</a> in Spain and <a href="https://www.croatiameetings.com/destinations/krapina/23/history/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Krapina</a> in Croatia. These findings were compared with data from different regions in Europe and western Asia.



Differences observed in these canals indicated that early Neanderthals had a wider range of physical variation than their later counterparts. 



The scientists concluded that this reduction was consistent with evidence of a bottleneck <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/neanderthal-genes-influence-the-development-of-modern-teeth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">event</a> in which genetic diversity plummeted.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-neanderthal-population-decline">Neanderthal population decline</h2>



Neanderthals are widely studied because they are closely related to us. Researchers have analyzed bones, DNA, and archaeological traces to figure out how these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/neanderthal-evolution-was-more-complex-than-previously-thought/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">humans</a> interacted with their environment and possibly with us.



Experts have proposed various reasons for their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/isolation-played-a-key-role-in-neanderthal-extinction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">population</a> losses, including small group sizes or changing climates. 



One particular research strategy involves looking at the skeletal regions linked to genetics and see if the fossil record supports repeated reductions in group size.



“The development of the inner ear structures is known to be under very tight genetic control,” said Quam. 



This makes the ear a reliable marker of underlying differences, since genetic changes there tend to stand out in the physical form of the canals.



When early Neanderthals show more diversity in their canal structure, it hints that they once had a broader genetic pool. 



Lower diversity in their later phase points to a decline in numbers and possible isolation of different <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humans-and-neanderthals-may-belong-to-the-same-species/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">groups</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-insights-from-the-fossils">Insights from the fossils</h2>



Neanderthals appear in the fossil record around 250,000 years ago after branching off from earlier populations. They thrived in Europe and nearby areas for a while.



“We were surprised to find that the pre-Neanderthals from the Sima de los Huesos exhibited a level of morphological diversity similar to that of the early Neanderthals from Krapina,” said Alessandro Urciuoli, the lead author of the study.



The researchers found that older fossils from sites like Krapina displayed a wider variety of canal shapes compared to later Neanderthals.&nbsp;



A population bottleneck can arise from shifts in food sources, environmental pressures, or other challenges that limit group size. 



Fewer individuals mean fewer genetic variants get passed along to the next generation, so the population becomes less flexible over time.



Some researchers believe these crises happened multiple times in Neanderthal history. The new fossil evidence strengthens the idea that a key drop in variation took place around 110,000 years ago.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-mystery-continues">The mystery continues</h2>



Despite recent advances in DNA work, the story is far from finished. Certain sites that predate 100,000 years ago have given partial genetic data, but many specimens remain to be examined.



Scholars hope to learn if these bottlenecks were triggered primarily by changes in the environment or by interactions with other humans like our species. 



Even more intriguing is whether brief population recoveries followed these drops or if decline continued until Neanderthals disappeared.



Keeling expressed excitement about the project and the methods used. “It is exciting to be included in this research project which relies on some of the latest cutting-edge methodologies in our field."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unknown-extent-of-population-decline">Unknown extent of population decline</h2>



Investigating additional fossil collections across Eurasia could help determine the extent of this reduction. 



Scientists want to see if certain groups survived by avoiding harsh environments or by exchanging genes with closely related <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/neanderthals-and-humans-lived-side-by-side-45000-years-ago/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">populations</a>.



With every new fossil discovery, more pieces of the Neanderthal puzzle come to light. 



Experts remain curious about whether these humans adapted to their changing world enough to stave off extinction for thousands of years.



Ongoing investigations into the shape of ancient ear canals may continue to reveal how genetics guided the lives of these hardy populations.&nbsp;



The study is published in <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-025-56155-8" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</a>.



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Neanderthal fossils reveal signs of a devastating population collapse

Neanderthals once roamed large swaths of Eurasia for hundreds of...

Coastal cities worldwide are confronted with surging waters that threaten properties, infrastructures, and entire regional economies. People living in these areas face new risks every year, making it vital to understand how sea level rise affects both local communities and global markets.



Many experts now point to rising sea levels as a major financial risk. A recent study indicates that losses for global coastal cities could reach well over $3 trillion by the end of this century as coastal cities grapple with flooding and erosion. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-studying-sea-level-rise">Studying sea level rise</h2>



This analysis stems from a team that investigated the potential financial repercussions under a high emissions scenario across 271 global regions.



This project involved Ignasi Cortés Arbués, Theodoros Chatzivasileiadis, Tatiana Filatova, and their team. 



Through a careful evaluation of 155 flooding events in Europe between 1995 and 2016, the researchers uncovered patterns of how sea level rise might affect different parts of the continent, especially <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coastal-cities-are-increasingly-vulnerable-to-hurricanes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">those close to the shore</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-factors-driving-the-tide">Climate factors driving the tide</h2>



Rising sea levels often trace back to the rapid melting of polar ice caps and glaciers, along with the expansion of warming seawater. 



Scientific data shows that the rate of sea level rise has been <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hawaii-is-sinking-faster-than-expected/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">accelerating in recent years</a>. One of the most concerning elements is that the momentum behind this process could make it difficult to halt, unless overall temperatures stop climbing.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-projected-impact-on-european-regions">Projected impact on European regions</h2>



Analysts noted serious risks for areas near the coast. The study found an estimated 872 billion Euros in combined economic losses for the UK and EU by 2100 under a high emissions scenario, contrasting sharply with a hypothetical situation where sea levels remain stable. 



Coastal regions like Veneto and Emilia-Romagna in Italy and Zachodniopomorskie in Poland may see GDP reductions of up to 21% by 2100. 



Some areas around the Baltic Sea, the Belgian coast, parts of western France, and Greece might also experience significant setbacks.



Researchers noticed that inland locations, including regions in Germany, Austria, and Hungary, could potentially see economic increases of up to 1% of regional GDP by 2100. 



Their assessment suggests that production may move away from coastal areas prone to frequent floods and toward these safer regions, helping local industries thrive in places less <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/major-coastal-cities-around-the-world-could-disappear-under-rising-seas-by-2100/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">exposed to rising seas</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-combating-sea-level-rise-with-investment">Combating sea level rise with investment</h2>



Another part of the study involved looking at how focused funding in economic sectors such as logistics, construction, and public services might ease some of the damage. 



The authors saw limited effects on the broader UK and EU economies, yet certain spots could experience modest relief at relatively low cost. 



Lincolnshire, East Yorkshire, and Kent in the UK, along with Bremen and Weser-Ems in Germany, plus West-Vlaanderen in Belgium, stood out as prime examples of where such measures might offer noticeable improvements.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-north-american-cities-feeling-the-heat">North American cities feeling the heat</h2>



Across the Atlantic, North American coastal hubs like Miami, New York City, and Vancouver are already witnessing visible <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sea-level-warnings-what-coastal-cities-must-prepare-for/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">impacts of rising seas</a>. 



In Miami, neighborhoods flood more often during high tides, disrupting daily life. 



New York City has launched stronger coastal defenses, drawing on lessons from Hurricane Sandy in 2012. 



Vancouver makes sea level rise a central factor in its urban planning, aiming to protect core infrastructure before flooding becomes impossible to manage.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-critical-infrastructure-and-preparedness">Critical infrastructure and preparedness</h2>



Bridges, roads, and power systems in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sinking-cities-on-u-s-coast-face-a-double-threat-as-sea-levels-rise/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">coastal areas</a> are at greater risk, and the resulting damage has a ripple effect on local and national economies. 



People in these communities rely on well-functioning facilities for day-to-day life, so disruptions can bring operations to a halt. 



Elevated roads and bolstered drainage systems offer some protection, but there is a clear need for sustained strategies to avoid overwhelming losses.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mitigating-and-adapting-to-sea-level-rise">Mitigating and adapting to sea level rise</h2>



Engineers and city planners talk about adaptation - physical changes like sea walls or raised foundations that limit damage - as a key approach. 



Mitigation measures, which reduce the underlying <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/un-the-world-is-on-track-for-a-catastrophic-level-of-global-warming/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">causes of global warming</a>, also play a part. Lower greenhouse gas emissions may slow the pace of rising waters, making it simpler for local governments to handle gradual changes.



Cooperation among policymakers, businesses, and researchers is essential for managing long-term threats. 



While region-specific tactics vary, the study highlights the importance of policies that address uneven effects on different communities. 



This means that officials in coastal zones, inland areas, and national governments should look for ways to balance resources and safeguard <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-experts-predict-global-warming-will-far-exceed-paris-goals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">at-risk populations</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-happens-next">What happens next?</h2>



Findings from this research underscore a critical need for policies that respond to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-models-underestimate-sea-ice-melt-and-global-warming/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate pressures</a> while taking regional differences into account. 



“The study reveals that inland regions, including areas in Germany, Austria, and Hungary, might experience economic gains of up to 1% of regional GDP by 2100,” the authors report. 



That shift could carry both positive and negative impacts, underscoring the importance of thinking ahead.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-sea-level-rise-and-the-future">Global sea level rise and the future</h2>



The potential scale of damage offers a stark picture of how climate change affects local economies, international commerce, and everyday life. 



“A key finding of the study is the estimated 872 billion Euros in combined economic losses for the UK and EU alone by 2100,” the research team notes, emphasizing that preparation and innovative planning may help limit setbacks. 



North American coastal cities also grapple with their own risks, investing in forward-looking policies and resilience measures.



In the end, each region’s mix of natural features and economic strengths calls for unique strategies. The comprehensive study, published in Scientific Reports, shines a light on the need to plan thoughtfully as sea levels continue to rise. 



By taking steps to protect homes, industries, and infrastructure, communities can reduce the dangers linked to shifting coastlines.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-023-48136-y" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Scientific Reports</a>.



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Study: Coastal cities will spend over $3 trillion on damage from sea level rise

Coastal cities worldwide are confronted with surging waters that threaten...

In September 2022, a catastrophic event unfolded beneath the Baltic Sea. The Nord Stream gas pipelines, which transport natural gas from Russia to Europe, suffered severe ruptures. What followed was an unprecedented emission and release of methane, one of the most potent greenhouse gases.



At the time, experts scrambled to estimate the scale of the damage. Initial assessments suggested a significant but relatively contained leak. However, new research published in the journal Nature has revealed a much graver reality.



The methane emission was over twice the first estimates, making it one of the biggest leaks ever. This discovery has sparked fresh concerns about the environmental impact of fossil fuel infrastructure failures and the urgency of global <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/massive-new-source-of-methane-emissions-discovered-glacial-fracking-arctic/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">methane</a> reduction efforts. 



The study, coordinated by the United Nations Environment Programme (<a href="https://www.unep.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UNEP</a>), offers a more precise understanding of the emissions and the role of advanced satellite technology in detecting such events.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nord-stream-methane-emission">Nord Stream methane emission</h2>



The Nord Stream pipelines ruptured in September 2022, leading to an uncontrolled release of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/top-10-global-methane-emissions-hotspots-spotted-by-satellites/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">methane</a> into the atmosphere. The research shows the leak did more damage than experts first thought.



According to the study, the total volume of methane leaked ranged between 445,000 and 485,000 tonnes. This sharply contrasts with earlier estimates, which suggested a much lower figure of 75,000 to 230,000 tonnes.



Methane traps heat in the atmosphere much faster than carbon dioxide, making it a powerful driver of global warming. Releasing so much of it at once speeds up climate change in ways we can’t ignore.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-advanced-satellite-data-collection">Advanced satellite data collection</h2>



To determine the true extent of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rapid-reductions-in-methane-emissions-are-possible/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">leak</a>, the researchers used data from multiple sources.



This included several Earth observation satellites such as Copernicus Sentinel-1 and Sentinel-2, along with the Infrared Atmospheric Sounding Interferometer (<a href="https://www.esa.int/Applications/Observing_the_Earth/Meteorological_missions/MetOp/About_IASI" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">IASI</a>) instrument on Eumetsat’s MetOp-B satellite. Additional data came from ESA’s third-party missions, <a href="https://landsat.gsfc.nasa.gov/satellites/landsat-8/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Landsat 8</a>, and <a href="https://www.ghgsat.com/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">GHGSat</a>.



The researchers also incorporated marine observations, atmospheric in-situ measurements, aerial monitoring, and engineering calculations. These diverse data sources allowed for a much more accurate analysis of the methane emissions.



Stephen Harris, a scientist at UNEP’s International Methane Emissions Observatory (<a href="https://www.unep.org/topics/energy/methane/international-methane-emissions-observatory" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">IMEO</a>), emphasized the importance of this approach. 



“Satellite observations were just one component of a broader set of measurement approaches, which together enabled the study to provide a comprehensive and accurate assessment of methane emissions from the event – highlighting the importance of integrating diverse, complementary methane measurement methods,” noted Harris.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tracking-methane-emissions">Tracking methane emissions</h2>



The study involved 70 scientists from 30 research organizations. It was partially funded by two ESA Earth Observation Science for Society initiatives: <a href="https://methanecamp.fmi.fi" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MethaneCamp</a> and Methane+.



“This study shows the benefits and importance of methane concentrations provided by satellites on a regular basis,” said Edward Malina, an ESA Earth Observation Atmosphere Scientist.



Diego Fernandez Prieto, Head of ESA’s Earth Observation Science Section, explained the significance of satellite advancements in tracking methane emissions.



“Sustained ESA support to scientific advances on methane measurements from satellites have improved our ability to characterize methane leaks globally. I believe this is a good example of how science is transferred into climate action as we are now better equipped to monitor <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rising-methane-emissions-threaten-earths-habitability/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">progress</a> and respond to the Global Methane Pledge,” said Fernandez Prieto.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-extent-of-the-methane-leak">Extent of the methane leak </h2>



The Nord Stream methane leak is now one of the biggest ever recorded. At its highest estimate, it released more than four times the methane from the 2015–2016 Aliso Canyon leak in the United States, which was previously one of the largest known emissions.



However, despite its scale, the Nord Stream event accounted for just 0.1% of all human-caused methane emissions in 2022. 



“This is equivalent to only two days of the oil and gas industry’s annual methane emissions. This highlights the vast number of other human-caused <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-extremes-will-boost-methane-emissions-in-the-amazon/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">methane</a> sources that still require global mitigation efforts,” said Harris.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-methane-emissions-are-a-global-issue">Methane emissions are a global issue</h2>



The International Energy Agency estimates that the production and use of fossil fuels resulted in nearly 120 million tonnes of methane emissions in 2023.



Another 10 million tonnes came from bioenergy. Methane levels have remained consistently high since peaking in 2019.



The findings of this study reinforce the need for stronger global efforts to track and reduce methane emissions. The <a href="https://www.globalmethanepledge.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Global Methane Pledge</a>, which aims to cut methane emissions significantly, relies on improved monitoring and scientific advancements to drive climate action.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-the-leak-s-impact">Understanding the leak’s impact</h2>



Before this study, there was significant uncertainty about the actual volume of methane released from the Nord Stream leak. The latest research offers the most accurate assessment to date, using extensive data analysis and satellite-based measurements.



“The initial estimates, including those from UNEP’s IMEO, were based on data from a limited number of studies, many of which relied on incomplete sources available at the time. Furthermore, these estimates varied widely, each capturing only part of the story from a different perspective,” noted Harris.



”This study presents the first updated estimate that incorporates all available data to account for every aspect of the emission event: the methane present in the pipeline before and after the ruptures, the amount dissolved in the Baltic Sea, and the portion ultimately released into the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-reveals-previously-unknown-sources-of-methane-production/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">atmosphere</a>."



Image Credit: ESA



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Methane leak under the Baltic Sea was far bigger than estimated

In September 2022, a catastrophic event unfolded beneath the Baltic...

In February, researchers from Condrik Tenerife were scanning the waters off Tenerife Island. They hoped to find sharks but stumbled upon something unexpected - a humpback anglerfish (Melanocetus johnsonii) swimming near the surface.



Photographer David Jara Boguñá captured this rare event. These deep-sea <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/small-fish-species-are-the-big-catch-of-the-future/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fish</a>, also known as black seadevils, usually live in the "twilight zone" between 200 and 600 meters below the surface. Seeing one alive in daylight was unprecedented.



The <a href="https://youtu.be/6ll_7H9FoWQ?si=OAzDi8zFGk272SAH" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">video</a> sparked curiosity and emotion online. The overall reaction suggests a shift in how people view the deep sea, moving from fear to fascination.



Many saw the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fish-eye-tracking-changes-what-we-know-about-swarm-behavior/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fish</a> as a symbol of perseverance or tragedy, with some even comparing it to Icarus, a human figure from Greek mythology who died after flying too close to the sun with wax wings. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-strange-lives-of-anglerfish">Strange lives of anglerfish</h2>



Anglerfish are much smaller than many imagine. The female filmed by Boguñá measured about 15 centimeters, while males grow only to about 3 centimeters.



The female fish have a glowing lure on their heads, used to attract prey in the dark ocean depths. The light comes from bacteria that live inside a specialized organ.



Male anglerfish have no lure. Instead, their entire <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/deep-sea-anglerfish-defy-evolutionary-expectations/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">existence</a> revolves around finding a female. Once attached, they fuse into her body, becoming a permanent part of her circulatory system. They lose their independence and survive only by absorbing nutrients from their mate.



Why this particular anglerfish swam so close to the surface remains a mystery. Scientists speculate that changes in water temperature or the fish’s old age might explain its unusual behavior.



Observers watched it for hours before it died. Its body was later taken to the <a href="https://www.spain.info/en/places-of-interest/tenerife-nature-archaeology-museum/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Museum of Nature and Archaeology</a> in Santa Cruz de Tenerife for further study.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-an-outpouring-of-emotion">An outpouring of emotion</h2>



The video quickly went viral, inspiring memes, artwork, and even poetry. The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ancient-fish-had-flexible-joints-like-humans/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fish</a>’s final journey fascinated people worldwide.



"I like to think she is a respected old grandmother who has dreamed her entire life of seeing the sunlight and the world above the water. She knows her time is nigh, so she bade farewell to her friends and family and swam up towards the light and whatever it might hold for her as her life as an anglerfish comes to a close," one Reddit user noted.



Another person called the fish her “feminist Roman Empire," meaning an idea that inspired her in the way history fascinates others.



Boguñá and Condrik Tenerife commented on the public reaction, noting that the anglerfish has clearly become a global icon. 



"But far from the romanticization and attempt to humanize that has been given to its tragic story, I think that what this event has been for is to awaken the curiosity of the sea to PEOPLE, especially the younger ones, and perhaps, it also serves that messages about marine <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wild-fish-and-human-divers-an-unexpected-bond/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ecosystem</a> conservation can reach so many more people," said Boguñá.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-shift-in-perspective">A shift in perspective</h2>



For years, deep-sea creatures like the anglerfish have been seen as monsters. Their glowing lures and sharp teeth have made them the perfect villains in films such as <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0266543/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Finding Nemo</a> and <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0345950/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie</a>.



Yet, the public reaction to this anglerfish suggests a shift in perception. Instead of horror, people expressed sympathy and admiration. They saw the fish as a determined creature chasing light, even at great cost.



This response contrasts with the fate of the deep-sea blobfish, once labeled the "world’s ugliest animal." Unlike the blobfish, this anglerfish was embraced as a symbol of struggle and courage.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-empathy-for-anglerfish">Empathy for anglerfish</h2>



Does projecting human emotions onto deep-sea creatures distort reality? Probably. 



"Deep-sea <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/more-than-two-dozen-unusual-fish-species-discovered-in-peru-and-the-amazon/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">creatures</a> are often pictured as aliens from another planet, and I think that gets people interested in them, because we're all interested in novelty and weirdness and the surreal. I think that can be positive, but the idea of the alien can also cut us off from any responsibility," noted US environmental humanities researcher Stacy Alaimo.



The deep sea faces growing threats, including seabed mining, plastic pollution, and climate change. Perhaps this anglerfish’s moment in the spotlight will encourage more people to care about protecting its world.



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How a dying anglerfish became a global icon on social media

In February, researchers from Condrik Tenerife were scanning the waters...

In what can only be defined as a peculiar twist of nature, parts of Hawaii are descending faster than others. The implications of this recent discovery are far-reaching, with potential consequences for residents, businesses, and infrastructure.



The study was led by researchers at the <a href="https://manoa.hawaii.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Hawai'i at Mānoa</a>. The results show that the most vulnerable areas are the low-lying regions that were thought to be at risk much later, particularly urban areas in Oahu.



"In Hawai’i, impacts of sea level rise (SLR) are already widely observed, and include beach loss, coastal erosion, and flooding in the form of direct marine inundation, storm-drain back-flow, as well as groundwater inundation," noted the researchers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-sea-level-rise-slr-the-basics">Understanding sea level rise (SLR) - the basics</h2>



As the planet warms, glaciers and ice sheets melt, dumping more water into the oceans. At the same time, seawater expands as it heats up, pushing shorelines further inland. 



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/major-coastal-cities-around-the-world-could-disappear-under-rising-seas-by-2100/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Coastal cities</a>, small islands, and low-lying areas are already feeling the effects, with flooding becoming more frequent and storm surges hitting harder. 



Places like Miami, Jakarta, and the Maldives are on the front lines, watching the ocean creep closer every year.



Rising seas threaten entire communities, displacing millions and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sea-level-rise-will-cost-coastal-cities-over-1-trillion-in-damages/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">damaging infrastructure</a>. Saltwater seeps into farmland, ruining crops, and stronger storms tear through coastal defenses. 



Some cities are building seawalls and flood barriers, while others are planning for managed retreat, basically relocating people before disaster strikes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sinking-land-and-rising-seas">Sinking land and rising seas</h2>



The investigation focused on the impact of sinking land masses amid the ongoing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rising-sea-levels-threaten-groundwater-global-cities-underground-infrastructure/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rise of sea levels</a> - a striking contrast that could set the stage for severe flooding issues in Hawaii.



Kyle Murray, the lead author of the study, emphasized the gravity of the situation.



“In rapidly subsiding areas, sea level rise impacts will be felt much sooner than previously estimated, which means that we must prepare for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/seeking-ways-to-prevent-flooding-caused-by-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">flooding</a> on a shorter timeline,” said Murray.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-predicting-the-flooding-impacts">Predicting the flooding impacts</h2>



The UH Mānoa team dedicated nearly two decades to examining satellite radar data to assess the vertical land movements across the Hawaiian Islands with unprecedented precision.



The researchers meticulously plotted the coastal topography using a high-resolution digital elevation model. They incorporated advanced geospatial analysis to track even the most subtle shifts in elevation.



The objective was simple but challenging: to create a comprehensive and dynamic model showing how the juxtaposition of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sinking-land-will-intensify-the-effects-of-rising-sea-levels/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sinking land</a> masses and rising sea levels would amplify future floods, particularly in vulnerable urban and coastal areas.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-sinking-speed-of-hawaii-s-islands">The sinking speed of Hawaii's islands</h2>



Islands in the Hawaiian chain slowly sink as they move farther from the hotspot beneath the Big Island. This geological process has shaped the archipelago for millions of years.



Given their immense weight and the shifting tectonic plates beneath them, this movement is expected. What comes as a surprise, however, is the rate of their descent, which varies significantly across different regions.



On Oahu, for instance, the subsidence rate each year is quite minimal - about 0.6 millimeters, which is roughly the thickness of 10 sheets of standard printing paper. This is a seemingly negligible shift on a year-to-year basis.



However, localized spots on Oahu's south shore present a different narrative, with land sinking at a staggering 40 times faster speed, clocking over 25 millimeters per year - a rate that drastically alters flood risk projections and coastal resilience planning.



This study reveals that parts of the Mapunapuna industrial region and similar areas are built on unstable sediments and artificial fill, which are compacting at an accelerated rate. This process is driving increased and uneven subsidence.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-chronic-flooding-will-arrive-early">Chronic flooding will arrive early</h2>



According to Phil Thompson, a co-author of the study, this rapid subsidence rate outstrips the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sea-level-rise-will-cost-coastal-cities-over-1-trillion-in-damages/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sea-level rise</a> rate in Hawaii - which has maintained an average of 1.54 millimeters annually since 1905.



Therefore, chronic flooding is bound to happen sooner than initially expected. In regions like Mapunapuna, this could translate to more than a 50% increase in flood exposure area by 2050 while cutting flood preparedness timelines in half. This presents a serious challenge for Hawaii.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-urgency-of-hawaii-s-sinking-regions">Urgency of Hawaii's sinking regions</h2>



When the findings of this study are considered, it is evident that the shoreline plays a major role in maintaining the viability of Hawaii’s <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/major-coastal-cities-around-the-world-could-disappear-under-rising-seas-by-2100/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">coastal communities</a>, economy, and infrastructure.



It is thus imperative for urban planning and coastal adaptation strategies to take these findings into account so that the urgency of mitigation efforts is not underestimated. 



"This work directly serves the people of Hawaii by ensuring that local adaptation strategies are based on the best available science, ultimately helping to protect homes, businesses, and cultural areas,” said study co-author Chip Fletcher, director of CRC and interim dean of SOEST.



Ultimately, Hawaii's sinking regions serve as a quiet reminder that nature follows its own timeline. As we look ahead, a deep understanding of these forces is crucial for strengthening our communities and infrastructure against future challenges.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s43247-025-02108-4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Communications Earth &amp; Environment</a>.



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Hawaii is sinking faster than expected

In what can only be defined as a peculiar twist...

Physicists have proposed a radical approach that questions decades of belief about how gravity, spacetime, and quantum mechanics might fit together. 



They have introduced a theory that keeps the classical concept of spacetime as envisioned by Einstein, even as it addresses a long-standing rift in modern physics. 



For years, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/impossibility-paradox-calculating-incalculable-quantum-realm-particles/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quantum theory</a> and general relativity have each held important places in science, yet they have never fit snugly alongside one another. 



This mismatch has led many to ask if space and time should be broken down into quantum bits, or if something else might be going on.



Published in two respected journals, this line of thought challenges the standard assumption that Einstein’s <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/radical-new-theory-finally-unites-gravity-spacetime-and-the-quantum-realm/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">theory of gravity</a> must be fully recast in quantum terms. 



Researchers note that established efforts, including string theory and loop quantum gravity, are anchored in the idea that spacetime itself should become quantum. But the new direction suggests that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quantum-entanglement-a-simple-way-to-grasp-this-impossible-concept-carl-kocher/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quantum theory</a> might need rethinking. 



Observers say this could affect how precisely we can measure an object’s weight or how long certain atoms can remain in a strange two-place-at-once condition.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-radical-postquantum-proposal">Radical postquantum proposal</h2>



In work spearheaded by Professor Jonathan Oppenheim of University College London <a href="https://www.ucl.ac.uk/physics-astronomy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">(UCL) Physics &amp; Astronomy</a>, this theory reframes spacetime as something that might never have been quantum at all. 



“Quantum theory and Einstein's theory of general relativity are mathematically incompatible with each other, so it's important to understand how this contradiction is resolved. Should spacetime be quantized, or should we modify quantum theory, or is it something else entirely?" Oppenheimer posits.



"Now that we have a consistent fundamental theory in which spacetime does not get quantized, it’s anybody’s guess.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-theory-revises-quantum-spacetime-rules">Theory revises quantum spacetime rules</h2>



This perspective replaces the usual search for a quantum version of gravity with what is described as a postquantum theory of classical gravity. 



In this model, spacetime remains classical yet experiences unpredictable shifts. 



Instead of the subtle effects typically predicted by standard <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quantum-gravity-search-south-pole-neutrinos-experiment/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quantum calculations</a>, these fluctuations could be more pronounced, making precise weight measurements trickier. 



Meanwhile, a research group led by Professor Oppenheim’s former PhD students has outlined a method to see if spacetime is truly quantum. They propose measuring a mass with extreme accuracy to detect unusual variations.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-experimental-possibilities">Experimental possibilities</h2>



The second paper points to an experiment that examines whether a precisely defined weight, such as the 2.2 lb standard from the International Bureau of Weights and Measures in France, shows any unexpected changes over time. 



Another test involves placing a heavy atom in two spots at once to see if a classical spacetime might force it to pick one spot faster than expected. 



According to Zach Weller-Davies, a key collaborator, “If spacetime doesn’t have a quantum nature, then there must be random fluctuations in the curvature of spacetime with a particular signature that can be verified experimentally.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-testing-time-and-weight">Testing time and weight</h2>



Potential tests also look at whether time itself might be quantum or classical. 



“Because gravity is made manifest through the bending of space and time, we can think of the question in terms of whether the rate at which time flows has a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/schrodingers-cat-survives-in-quantum-superposition-for-a-record-shattering-23-minutes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quantum nature</a>, or classical nature," <a href="https://perimeterinstitute.ca/people/barbara-soda" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dr. Barbara Šoda</a> from the Perimeter Institute remarked.



Testing this is almost as simple as testing whether the weight of a mass is constant, or appears to fluctuate in a particular way.



“While the experimental concept is simple, the weighing of the object needs to be carried out with extreme precision," Dr. Carlo Sparaciari of UCL pointed out.



"But what I find exciting is that starting from very general assumptions, we can prove a clear relationship between <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/central-theory-of-quantum-gravity-is-modeled-in-the-laboratory/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">two measurable quantities</a> - the scale of the spacetime fluctuations, and how long objects like atoms or apples can be put in quantum superposition of two different locations. We can then determine these two quantities experimentally.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-does-any-of-this-matter">Why does any of this matter?</h2>



Professor Oppenheim, Professor Carlo Rovelli, and Dr. Geoff Penington have placed 5000:1 odds on the outcome of such tests, reflecting the intense interest in whether spacetime is genuinely quantum or classical.



 Observers in the field say those odds might shift if fresh data confirms one viewpoint or the other. 



This framework traces back to work on the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/why-the-universe-remains-predictable-insights-from-quantum-mechanics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">black hole information</a> problem, a puzzle that usually presupposes information is never lost. 



Here, it may vanish, fitting with general relativity’s suggestion that black holes can destroy information.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-spacetime-and-the-quantum-realm">Spacetime and the quantum realm</h2>



This postquantum picture bypasses the standard measurement principle in quantum theory and could explain why superpositions come to an end without extra assumptions. 



The research team indicates it emerged from analyzing black hole scenarios, where standard quantum beliefs clash with Einstein’s equations. 



Professor Sougato Bose of UCL Physics &amp; Astronomy, who was not part of these findings, commented, “Experiments to test the nature of spacetime will take a large-scale effort, but they're of huge importance from the perspective of understanding the fundamental laws of nature.” 



Such ideas could settle a major divide between quantum laws and gravity, hinting at a more cohesive picture of the cosmos.



The full studies were published in the journals <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-023-43348-2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</a> and  <a href="https://journals.aps.org/prx/accepted/d6078Ke1S941110a26ad9584bc2567e68f9f76c1e" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Physical Review X (PRX)</a>.



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Radical theory unites gravity, spacetime, and the quantum realm

Physicists have proposed a radical approach that questions decades of...

Makassar,Strait,Highlighted,On,A,Satellite,Image,Map

Early explorers wondered why two neighboring islands, separated by something called the "Wallace Line," had such different wildlife. They saw tigers and elephants on one side, while marsupials lived just a short boat ride away.



Dr. Penny Van Oosterzee, an ecological researcher at <a href="https://www.jcu.edu.au/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">James Cook University</a>, has studied these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/evolutions-many-solutions-nature-finds-multiple-paths-to-success/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">patterns</a> for years. She sees them as a reminder of how physical barriers can split habitats even when they sit close by.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wallace-line-and-species-separation">Wallace Line and species separation</h2>



The Wallace Line runs through Southeast Asia, marking where Asian species give way to Australian species. 



It crosses narrow waters between Borneo and Sulawesi, and between Bali and Lombok, which lie only about 15 miles apart.



Even though it is not an official border, it acts like one for many animals. Flocks of Asian birds thrive on one side, but groups of Australian cockatoos stay on the other.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-an-invisible-fence">An invisible fence </h2>



A deep ocean trench, known as the Makassar Strait, is key to this puzzle. During past ice ages, many islands were connected by land bridges when sea levels dropped.



Yet that submerged gap never vanished here, so animals could not simply wander across. Highly specialized species remained where they could find food, avoid predators, and keep up their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/embryo-development-shows-how-evolution-had-many-options-to-choose-from/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">survival strategies</a>.



Even birds, which can fly, tend to stay within their familiar habitats because of differences in climate and food availability. The Wallace Line, in many ways, acts like an invisible fence shaped by nature’s own <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/evolving-evolution-how-life-learns-to-adapt-better/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">design</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-the-makassar-strait-the-basics">Understanding the Makassar Strait - the basics</h2>



The Makassar Strait is a narrow stretch of water that runs between the islands of Borneo and Sulawesi in Indonesia. 



It connects the Celebes Sea in the north to the Java Sea in the south, making it a key passage for ships traveling between the Pacific and Indian Oceans. 



The strait isn’t just a busy maritime route - it’s also home to some incredible marine life. 



Strong ocean currents flow through, bringing nutrient-rich waters that support vibrant coral reefs, fish, and even deep-sea creatures. 



It’s a hotspot for divers and researchers alike, offering a glimpse into Indonesia’s rich underwater biodiversity.



The region is also a key focus for climate change research, as rising sea levels and shifting currents affect both marine ecosystems and coastal communities.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-wallace-line-shaped-evolution">The Wallace Line shaped evolution</h2>



This unique divide helped shape some early ideas about how species change over time. It sparked thoughts on biogeography, the study of how plants and animals are distributed across the planet.



When Charles Darwin and Alfred Russel Wallace independently <a href="https://evolution.berkeley.edu/the-history-of-evolutionary-thought/1800s/natural-selection-charles-darwin-alfred-russel-wallace/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wrote</a> about natural selection in the mid-1800s, they each pointed to real-world examples of animals adapting to local conditions. 



The stark difference between these islands stood out to Wallace.



His observations supported the idea that species do not appear randomly but evolve based on their environment. 



The Wallace Line became one of the strongest cases for how geographic barriers can drive the formation of new species.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-different-perspective">A different perspective</h2>



There are debates over the geographic accuracy of the line. Researchers have <a href="https://academic.oup.com/biolinnean/article/130/1/225/5802023" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">called</a> for the boundary line to be redrawn.&nbsp;



“We suggest that Wallace’s Line be redrawn such that the landmass is placed on the Australasian side of this fundamental biogeographical boundary,” wrote Jason Ali and colleagues from the University of Hong Kong.



Shifting a line on a map may seem simple, but it shows how active science can be. As more research appears, definitions can move, and old ideas can adapt.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-is-australasia">What is Australasia?</h2>



The region that includes Australia, New Zealand, and the islands of the surrounding Pacific is known as Australasia. 



It’s a place where you can find everything from vast deserts and lush rainforests to snowy mountains and stunning coral reefs. 



Australia dominates the region with its massive landmass, unique wildlife like kangaroos and koalas, and world-famous landmarks like the Great Barrier Reef and Uluru. 



Meanwhile, New Zealand brings its own magic with breathtaking fjords, rolling green hills, and a deep-rooted Māori culture. 



The islands of Australasia, including Papua New Guinea and parts of Indonesia, add even more diversity with rich indigenous traditions and some of the most biodiverse ecosystems on the planet.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-wallace-line-and-human-history">The Wallace Line and human history</h2>



The idea of a boundary extends to humans and not only wildlife. The racial and political effects of the line have been studied at length.&nbsp;



“The difference between these two people had already been noticed by early European travelers, together with the difference in flora and fauna,” noted Fenneke Sysling from the <a href="https://www.uu.nl/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Utrecht</a> in The Netherlands.



Many decades ago, claims emerged that certain groups east of the line shared traits with Papuans, while those west of the line fit the Malay category. 



Debates around these claims have carried into modern times, highlighting how complex human <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/discovery-evolution-not-random-gene-families-pangenome-influence-called-revolutionary/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">diversity</a> can be.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-geographic-borders-and-human-evolution">Geographic borders and human evolution</h2>



Various projects track bird populations, insects, and even marsupials (kangaroo) to see how borders and evolution link together. 



Shallow seas no longer block human travel, yet animals remain bound by their own quirks.



Scientists ask whether climate changes or habitat loss might shift wildlife distributions in the future. Updates on these studies add another layer of intrigue to a line first drawn in the 19th century.



The Wallace Line demonstrates how subtle geographic forces can create stark contrasts in living things. It also reminds us that physical distance is not always the main factor - evolutionary <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-animal-will-replace-humans-as-earths-dominant-species-this-scientist-has-an-idea/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">history</a> and chance play major roles.



With all of the debates and shifting perspectives, one thing is clear: the planet holds more surprises than any single line can capture.



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Earth has a natural border line that no species will cross - what is the Wallace Line?

Early explorers wondered why two neighboring islands, separated by something...

Microplastics in the environment have become a well-known issue, sparking global concern. More recently, however, research has revealed that microplastics infiltrate human bodies, particularly the brain.



As studies reveal new details about the accumulation of plastic particles in our bodies, scientists are delving deeper into their potential impacts and ways to prevent exposure.



A recent study published in the journal <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39901044/">Nature Medicine</a> found that our brains house around a spoonful of these tiny plastic fragments, which is alarming, to say the least. 



When the researchers analyzed the brains of deceased people who had been diagnosed with dementia, their levels of microplastics were 3-5 times higher.



In response to these and other relevant findings, researchers from the <a href="https://www.uottawa.ca/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Ottawa</a> and the University of Toronto published a review of the current state of knowledge on the accumulation of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/micro-nanoplastics-mnps-help-cancer-cells-spread/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">micro and nanoplastics</a> (MNPs) in humans.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-microplastics-in-the-brain">Microplastics in the brain</h2>



The analysis showed that microplastics are pervasive in the water we drink, the food we eat, and the air we breathe. 



"The dramatic increase in brain microplastic concentrations over just eight years, from 2016 to 2024, is particularly alarming. This rise mirrors the exponential increase we're seeing in environmental microplastic levels," said Dr. Nicholas Fabiano from the University of Ottawa's Department of Psychiatry.



The researchers noted that concentrations of MNPs were 7-30 times higher in brain tissue than in other vital organs, such as the liver or kidneys. It seems that our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/our-brains-are-constantly-working-to-predict-what-comes-next/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">brains</a> are favored by these miniscule shards of plastic.



Mostly less than 200 nanometers in length and primarily composed of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/disposable-coffee-cups-release-trillions-of-plastic-particles/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">polyethylene</a>, these tiny invaders were found in the cerebrovascular walls and immune cells of the brain. The particles are small enough to cross the blood-brain barrier, leading to speculations about their role in neurological conditions.



It is not certain whether patients with dementia had high levels of MNPs due to the neurological condition, or whether the particles promoted the development of dementia. Future studies will investigate this relationship further.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tackling-the-microplastic-menace">Tackling the microplastic menace</h2>



Moving beyond the danger they pose, the research highlights useful practices that we can employ in our daily lives to reduce MNP exposure.



An action as simple as opting for filtered tap water instead of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hundreds-of-thousands-of-nanoplastics-found-in-bottled-water/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bottled water</a> could lower microplastic intake from a staggering 90,000 to 4,000 particles per year.



"Bottled water alone can expose people to nearly as many microplastic particles annually as all ingested and inhaled sources combined. Switching to tap water could reduce this exposure by almost 90%, making it one of the simplest ways to cut down on microplastic intake," said Dr. Brandon Luu.



Other significant sources of MNPs include plastic seals in tea bags, which could release millions of tiny particles per brewing session, noted Dr. Luu.



"Heating food in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plastic-containers-may-release-forever-chemicals-into-food/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plastic containers</a> - especially in the microwave - can release substantial amounts of microplastics. Avoiding plastic food storage and using glass or stainless steel alternatives is a small but meaningful step in limiting exposure."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-possible-elimination-pathways">Possible elimination pathways</h2>



The research team also reported on studies about potential elimination pathways. For instance, sweating may aid in the removal of certain plastic-derived compounds from the body. However, the researchers caution that more studies are needed.



"We need more research to wrap our heads around microplastics - rather than wrapping our brains in them - since this could be one of the biggest environmental storms most people never saw coming," said Dr. David Puder.



The commentary emphasizes the need for research priorities, including establishing clear exposure limits and evaluating long-term health repercussions of microplastic bioaccumulation. 



There is also an urgent need for extensive human studies to uncover relationships between microplastic exposure and chronic health outcomes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-microplastics-and-neurological-health">Microplastics and neurological health</h2>



As researchers continue to uncover the extent of microplastic accumulation in the human brain, concerns are mounting about its potential impact on neurological health. 



The presence of these particles in cerebrovascular walls and immune cells in the brain suggests they may contribute to inflammation, oxidative stress, and neurodegenerative diseases.



Chronic inflammation in the brain has been associated with conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and other cognitive impairments. 



Higher concentrations of microplastics in individuals with dementia raise concerns about their role in accelerating neuroinflammation and neurological decline.



Understanding how these particles interact with brain cells, disrupt neural pathways, and influence cognitive decline is essential for assessing long-term health risks.



The full review article was published in the journal <a href="https://genomicpress.kglmeridian.com/view/journals/brainmed/aop/article-10.61373-bm025c.0020/article-10.61373-bm025c.0020.xml" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Brain Medicine</a>.



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Microplastics in the brain: Alarming new details revealed

Microplastics in the environment have become a well-known issue, sparking...

Our sun belongs to a spiraling galaxy filled with star-forming neighborhoods. Astronomers recently found that our entire solar system traveled through a dense region in the constellation Orion about 14 million years ago.



A team of researchers led by Efrem Maconi at the <a href="https://ucrisportal.univie.ac.at/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Vienna</a> investigated the past motion of <a href="https://www.mpg.de/14077416/ancient-gas-cloud" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gas clouds</a> and young stars in our galaxy.



The team’s work suggests our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-next-big-solar-storm-could-plunge-us-into-darkness/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cosmic home</a> once ventured into a star-making hotspot that could have introduced extra dust into Earth’s environment.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-burst-of-incoming-debris">Burst of incoming debris</h2>



Scientists often keep an eye on the <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/heliophysics/focus-areas/heliosphere/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">heliosphere</a>, which is the giant shield of charged particles that wraps around our planetary system. 



Interstellar gas or dust can compress this boundary if the sun wanders into a thicker patch of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/january-2025-stargazing-a-parade-of-bright-planets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cosmic material</a>, and that might allow more foreign matter to slip closer to Earth.



A burst of incoming debris might show up in earthly rocks, possibly in the form of <a href="https://www.ansto.gov.au/education/nuclear-facts/what-are-radioisotopes">radioactive isotopes</a> that come from dying stars. 



The presence of elements like <a href="https://www.esa.int/Science_Exploration/Space_Science/Integral/Radioactive_iron_a_window_to_the_stars" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">iron-60</a> could tie together galactic motion and planetary records, opening a new door for collaboration between geology, astronomy, and <a href="https://www.whoi.edu/know-your-ocean/ocean-topics/climate-weather/paleoclimatology/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">paleoclimatology</a> - the study of Earth’s past climates.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-evidence-of-dust-from-orion">Evidence of dust from Orion</h2>



Experts have long searched for evidence of ancient <a href="https://spaceplace.nasa.gov/supernova/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">supernova</a> blasts that scatter unique signatures across <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/planet-forming-disks-surrounding-stars-often-last-much-longer-than-expected/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">space</a>. These dusty remains can ride solar breezes into a planet’s atmosphere, but <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.262.5133.550" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">confirming</a> them after millions of years can be tricky.



“While current technology may not be sensitive enough to detect these traces, future detectors could make it possible,” noted João Alves, a professor of astrophysics.



There is growing excitement that deeper sediment surveys might someday reveal cosmic debris tied to the solar system’s journey into Orion.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-possible-influence-on-earth-s-climate">Possible influence on Earth's climate</h2>



The researchers note that around the same time as this crossing, Earth was entering what experts call the Middle Miocene climate transition. This period was marked by a significant cooling trend that set the stage for large ice formations in Antarctica.



Several factors likely drove this climate shift, but the researchers wonder if extra interstellar dust played a supporting role. 



“While the underlying processes responsible for the Middle Miocene Climate Transition are not entirely identified, our study highlights that interstellar dust related to the crossing might have impacted Earth’s climate,” said Eric Maconi, the first author of the study. 



The experts also emphasize that there is no comparison between a slow shift millions of years ago and the rapid temperature jump humans see today. Earth’s distant past had vastly different carbon dioxide dynamics, continental layouts, and biospheres.



<a href="https://www.ipcc.ch/report/ar6/wg1/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Modern climate change</a> is unfolding on a timescale of decades to centuries. Past <a href="https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/sites/default/files/2021-11/1%20Glacial-Interglacial%20Cycles-Final-OCT%202021.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">glacial cycles</a> took thousands to hundreds of thousands of years, so scientists treat today’s trends as a separate issue driven mostly by emissions and other human activity.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-solar-system-drifting-through-orion">Solar system drifting through Orion</h2>



Observers can spot the <a href="https://www.constellation-guide.com/constellation-list/orion-constellation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Orion constellation</a> in northern winter or southern summer.&nbsp;“This region is easily visible in the winter sky in the Northern Hemisphere,” said Alves.



Stargazers often recognize Orion by its bright belt of three stars. According to this study, our planet once approached that direction in a massive, slow-motion drift through a zone of active star birth.



Collaborations between space researchers and Earth scientists are on the rise. Paleoclimatologists, who examine ancient sediments, sometimes uncover odd metal signatures that hint at an extraterrestrial origin.



Rock layers record chapters of Earth’s story, while star surveys map out the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-discover-a-hidden-pattern-in-planet-orbits/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxy’s shifting puzzle</a>. Matching these timelines could reveal surprising coincidences or partial links, even if firm proof remains elusive.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hopes-for-future-detection">Hopes for future detection</h2>



Astronomers point out that Earth is still traveling around the Milky Way’s center. The possibility of brushing against another dense region remains, though no one can predict exactly when or how intense such a meeting might be.



Experts hope that bigger observatories, better ocean drilling technology, and more refined detection methods will shed light on these cosmic passages. They see interdisciplinary efforts as the best way to untangle how space dust, ocean sediments, and global temperatures can interact over deep time.



There is no hint that stepping into a star-forming region is tied to catastrophic scenarios. The solar system appears resilient, and Earth has seen multiple <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/saturns-majestic-rings-will-vanish-in-just-six-months-from-now-2025/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cosmic events</a> over billions of years.



In the meantime, the notion of our planet quietly crossing a busy corner of the galaxy has sparked curiosity. Some find it reassuring that we can piece together these ancient routes from starlight and seafloor clues.



The study is published in <a href="https://www.aanda.org/articles/aa/full_html/2025/02/aa52061-24/aa52061-24.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Astronomy &amp; Astrophysics</a>.



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Our solar system once drifted through Orion’s star-forming region

Our sun belongs to a spiraling galaxy filled with star-forming...

There's a fascinating dynamic that is happening in the animal kingdom - specifically among Guinea baboons. A recent study shows that female Guinea baboons have a peculiar attraction to males showcasing unique foraging skills.



Experts from the <a href="https://www.leibniz-gemeinschaft.de/en/institutes/leibniz-institutes-all-lists/german-primate-center-leibniz-institute-for-primate-research" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">German Primate Center - Leibniz Institute for Primate Research</a> conducted investigations on two baboon groups in Senegal’s scenic wilderness and one under close observation at Nuremberg Zoo.



The researchers made a discovery that deepens our grasp of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/genetic-ties-influence-the-social-behavior-of-aging-animals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">animal social behavior</a>: animals are quite aware of their group members' skills, and they use this knowledge to make social choices.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-attraction-based-on-benefits">Attraction based on benefits</h2>



The experts trained one <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/male-baboons-invest-more-time-in-relationships-with-females/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">male baboon</a> in each group to operate a unique food box. These 'specialized' males became the group's exclusive providers of an additional food source. Curiously, this elevated status attracted the females' attention.



They spent more time with these special males, groomed them more, and even acted aggressively towards other females in the group. 



However, once the food box and the extra food was out of the equation, the females' enamored behavior diminished. This suggests that the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/guinea-baboons-give-females-more-freedom-and-authority/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">females</a> were acting based on immediate advantages - not on a comprehensive evaluation of the males' capabilities.



On the other hand, males in the group, despite also gaining from the extra food, showed no significant change in their behavior towards the expert forager. This could hint at lower competition among male Guinea baboons for food sources controlled by their counterparts.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-baboons-favor-immediate-gains">Baboons favor immediate gains </h2>



The study sheds light on the pragmatic side of partner selection among Guinea baboons. The choice is not driven by a long-term evaluation of a male's capabilities, but rather by the immediate benefits they can gain from him.



"Our experiment is the first to identify the type of mechanism, i.e. outcome- or competence-based, underlying skill attribution in a wild non-human primate. As such, our results provide a unique insight into the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/baboons-may-offer-clues-to-early-human-social-evolution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">evolution</a> of complex skill attribution in humans," said William O-Hearm, the lead author of the study.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-enormous-research-potential-of-zoos">Enormous research potential of zoos</h2>



Before the field work in Senegal, initial tests were conducted on Guinea baboons at Nuremberg Zoo - one of the few European facilities housing the species and a long-time collaborator of the Primate Research Institute. 



The controlled conditions of the zoo made it possible for the researchers to observe baboons closely and test feasible fieldwork ideas.



Lorenzo von Fersen, the zoo's Curator of Research and Species Conservation, emphasized the significance of conducting research in controlled environments. 



"The decisive factor for this study was the opportunity to work with the Guinea baboons at Nuremberg Zoo under controlled conditions. Such research approaches are not only scientifically valuable, but also enrich the animals' lives by providing them with cognitive challenges that enhance their natural abilities,” said von Fersen.



Jörg Beckmann, biological director and deputy director of the zoo, noted that zoos have enormous research potential and also offer information about their individuals that is often not available in the wild, as well as expertise that is important when working in the field.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-guinea-baboons-and-social-intelligence">Guinea baboons and social intelligence </h2>



The findings of this study extend beyond Guinea baboons, offering valuable insights into the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/animal-intelligence-did-not-evolve-due-to-natural-selection/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">evolution of intelligence</a> and social decision-making across species. 



By demonstrating that baboons recognize and respond to the skills of their peers, the research supports the idea that social animals - including early human ancestors - may have developed similar cognitive strategies for survival and resource acquisition.



The researchers suggest that such pragmatic decision-making could have played a role in the evolution of human intelligence. 



In ancestral human societies, individuals who could assess the competencies of others - whether in hunting, tool-making, or leadership - would have had a distinct advantage in forming beneficial social bonds.



This concept aligns with theories in evolutionary biology that emphasize the role of cooperation, reciprocity, and resource control in shaping complex social structures.



Moreover, this study highlights how non-human primates, like baboons, continue to challenge our understanding of cognition. 



As research progresses, scientists hope to uncover even more parallels between human and primate decision-making, further bridging the gap between our species and our closest relatives in the animal kingdom.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rspb.2024.2925" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences</a>.



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